Doctoral Program (Doctor of Philosophy)The doctoral program in Clinical Psychology, which is accredited by the American Psychological Association, is offered by the Department of Psychology of the University of Detroit Mercy. The goal of the program is to train professional psychologists who can offer a variety of psychological services to the community. Our graduates are scientist-practitioners who are professionally grounded in the theoretical underpinnings of assessment and intervention strategies, able to critically evaluate and assimilate new findings and hypotheses, and able to contribute to the body of knowledge within the field.

The curriculum is designed to introduce the student to a variety of assessment and treatment skills with an emphasis on the theoretical rationales upon which these skills are based. While the student is exposed to a variety of theoretical orientations, the major theoretical base of the program is psychoanalytic. No curriculum can prepare a student with skills applicable to every area in which a psychologist may practice. It is our hope, however, that with in-depth training in selected areas and familiarity with a number of other areas students will be able to learn the skills required in their work using the basic principles of evaluation and intervention emphasized in the program.

Program DescriptionProgram emphasis may be divided into course work, practice, and scholarship. The courses in the curriculum are designed by content and sequence to fulfill several goals. One goal is to acquire a firm foundation in psychology. A second goal is to acquire breadth and depth of knowledge in clinical skills. Clinical experiences are designed not only to afford an opportunity to learn skills in clinical settings but also to integrate skills and the theories shaping and guiding those skills. Scholarship is demonstrated throughout course work in the form of examinations and student papers. In addition, students, within the context of a comprehensive examination, will be asked to demonstrate their ability to understand, integrate, and communicate their knowledge of psychology in general and clinical psychology in particular. The dissertation, which may be experimental or clinically empirical, is an opportunity to show how students can contribute new knowledge within the field.

We accept applications from students with either a baccalaureate or a master’s as a terminal degree, who have completed as a minimum the prerequisite courses (on either the undergraduate or graduate level) listed below:

a) One term: Statistics

b) One term: Theories of Personality

c) One term: Abnormal Psychology

d) One term: Developmental Psychology

e) Two laboratory courses, for example:

Learning Physiological Psychology (strongly recommended)

Perception Experimental Psychology (strongly recommended)

Admissions Requirements

We accept applications from students with either a baccalaureate or a master’s as a terminal degree, who have completed as a minimum the prerequisite courses (on either the undergraduate or graduate level) listed below:

Application ProcessApplicants should submit, as part of their application, copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, Graduate Record Examination scores (verbal, quantitative, and analytical), and three letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant’s academic potential and achievement (for those with the master’s degree one person familiar with the applicant’s clinical work). If possible, have one or more of your references comment on your suitability and talent for a professionally oriented course of study in Clinical Psychology. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA in their previous academic work.

Please submit a letter describing pertinent aspects of your background and your aspiration. In this letter describe your interests, your accomplishments, your interest in psychology, the issues in psychology that have attracted your attention, why you are applying to our program, and your goals for your professional life. The purpose of this letter is to give you the opportunity to inject something personal into the application materials. It is often difficult to distinguish among students based on the standard things we ask for, i.e., transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation. This letter helps us see something of the individual who has compiled the indirect indices of achievement that comprise the bulk of the application. Please do not send term papers or theses. Completed applications must be submitted no later than January 1st, to the attention of:

Theresa Carson

Graduate Admissions Counselor

University of Detroit Mercy

Admissions Office

4001 W. McNichols Road

Detroit, MI 48221-3038

The faculty will review completed applications and those who pass this initial screening will be invited in for interviews. Please make sure that you list on your application form the phone number(s) at which you may be reached during the day and the evening. Include your e-mail address, if available.

NOTE: Students whose application for admission has been declined three times should not re-apply.

FINANCIAL AIDThe PhD Clinical Psychology Program has generally been able to offer half time tuition credit to students in the first two years of training in exchange for their performing teaching assistant duties. There are a limited number of credits available for clinic positions starting in the 2nd and 3rd years. Students would be expected to pay for the remainder of tuition and other expenses. The Financial Aid Office at the University should also be contacted for further information regarding other sources of financial assistance (313) 993-3350.

ACCREDITATIONThe doctoral program in clinical psychology is currently accredited by the Committee on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.

Degree Requirements

The total program including course work, practica, comprehensive examinations, internship and dissertation amounts to approximately 96 credit hours. It is designed to be completed in five (5) years. The maximum time for completion is seven years.

The academic year consists of three fifteen week terms, going from the beginning of September through the second week of August (appropriate vacation times are built in). The psychotherapy practicum begins the first term of the second year and continues for two years (six consecutive terms). This practicum involves students with patient contact and clinical staff conferences at the Psychology Clinic of the University of Detroit Mercy, a University-supported community service training site. The curriculum is outlined below.